This time of year is often characterized by the freezing cold and icy blizzards if you live anywhere that knows the true meaning of the word “winter.” Existing in a location does not necessarily mean you’re looking to embrace it though, and those living through these colder winter months may be looking for a heated distraction. Instead of worrying what the weather might be like if you're in a city like Minneapolis, Fargo, Pittsburgh, or Stowe, think of how relaxing the warm weather in Belize might be or how appealing a festival in Rio de Janeiro sounds. Whether you’re thinking about a couples retreat to a Caribbean resort or running away from the cold to Cancun by yourself, we’ve got images from all over the globe to try and remind you that you can step outside of your igloo before the winter is over. Warm up with this visual list of 65 tropical destinaions to make you forget how cold you are.

Anguilla has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean. Find yourself on a sunny patch of sand perfect for walking, soaking up rays, and of course, swimming.

One of the absolute best beach escapes for the winter, flamingos love it in Aruba and so will you.

On this stunningly scenic coastal drive, you can find the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations that stack and rise along the shore of Port Campbell National Park.

From restaurants to beaches, Santa Catalina Island's Avalon Bay has plenty of activities to keep you warm.

The Bahamas consist of Bimini, Andros Barrier Reef and the Thunderball Grotto, which was used in "James Bond" films.

This tropical hotspot includes many temples and religious sites that will leave you in awe.

Barbados has everything from beaches and botanical gardens to 17th-century plantation houses.

Belize is so tropical, the local airline is literally called Tropic Air.

Located just northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is one of the most famous islands of French Polynesia for tropical vacations.

Boracay is home to the Motag Living Museum, but chances are you'd be going there for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Just a glimpse of the spectacular beaches of the British Virgin Islands will compell you to plan a trip. It's got all the usual tropical amenities: diving, fishing, sailing and sun.

Cabo San Lucas is a top Mexican destination, and it's not far from the Instagram-worthy Playa del Amor (literally "Beach of Love"), a hidden beach that's been discovered by many romantics.

Some of the best beaches in Spain are located on the Canary Islands, making it perfect for any beach aficionado. 

If the beaches don't warm you up, dancing at all of the night clubs will.

The Cayman Islands are home to some great beaches, including the Seven Mile Beach, which is so vast that you won't have to struggle to find a place to set up shop.

Cebu is home to the Sinulog Festival, which is the largest festival in the Philippines.

The coast of Chacahua National Park is located in Oaxaca, featuring a number of vast, beautiful lagoons.

There are many hiking paths along the mountains of the Cook Islands, and if you're lucky, you might even manage some whale watching. 

According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in Crete's Ideon Cave.

There are festivals nearly every month on this island, including the Curaçao Film Festival in April.

Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492, and so should you if you're cold.

Museums, limestone, and massive stone walls make Dubrovnik worth visiting even without its tropics.

With the sun and a volcano, it's hard not to be warm on this island. You'll also find the village of Yaohnanen here, known for worshipping Prince Philip as a deity.

Home to a protected national marine park, as well as one of the best beaches in the world, Fernando de Noronha is favored by sea turtles and humans alike.

Fiji is made up of more than 300 islands, all of  which are far warmer than your typical winter abode.

St. George's is the capital of the island, with residential areas spanning along the coasts, making any AirBnB here gorgeous. 

Magellan wasn't quite as taken with the warmth of Guam as we might be, but what did he know? 

Explore Costa Rica's tropical jungles and be surrounded by trees, wildlife, and warmth straight out of "Jurassic Park."

Honduras is home to the Mayan ceremonial site Copán, as well as Utila, one of the best dive sites in the Caribbean.

Horseshoe Bay's signature pink sand and shape make it one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda.

Known for the tropical rainforest covering most of its surface, Kauai is a popular Hollywood film backdrop.

Key West, Florida. Part of the Florida Keys and filled with coral reefs.

Lalomanu Beach  has one of the best views in Samoa, and features all the usual beach amenities.

Lamu is the oldest living town in Kenya.

The Caribbean island of Martinique so happens to be the birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine.

The sunrays and warm Mediterranean island weather of Cyprus have already been cat-approved.

Mnemba Island is a unique bucket list destination filled with warm weather and sailing opportunities.

If you like golf, Montego Bay has plenty of courses.

At Puka Beach, you can stay warm and start your own Puka shell necklace company.

Mozambique is home to 740 different species of bird, making it prime real estate for beach volleyball and birdwatching.

The capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago is complete with a gorgeous rainforest.

Patras Carnival, one of Europe's largest carnivals, is held in this Greek city.

Traders traveling from Malaysia to Bangkok would often set up shop on the Perhentian Islands.

Phuket has some of Thailand's most popular beaches, as well as some of the friendliest people.

Very popular for surfing, Playa Venao filled with restaurants and resorts hoping to draw even more surfers in.

Nearly 900 moai, known as the Easter Island heads, are scattered throughout Rapa Nui.

A very popular (and warm) vacation spot featuring waterfalls and two extinct volcanoes, Tahiti has all the tropic heat you could want.

Whether you're looking for party spots or hidden coves away from all the noise, Ibiza's got something for you besides just warmth.

Home of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, the largest carnival in the world, Rio de Janeiro is a fun destination that's also one of the most eco-friendly in the world.

Find the preserved ruins of a Mayan port city among the many other gems of the Riviera Maya.

The capital of Puerto Rico, and its largest city, San Juan is bouncing back after Hurricane Maria.

Sandals has nine resorts in Jamaica. If Michael Scott from "The Office" could go there and start some romance, couldn't you?

It might be tough to get to, but Suac Champey's lush forests and bodies of water make the trip worth it.

With 115 islands in the Seychelles, there's got to be one you'll like.

Not only does Antigua and Barbuda have a tropical island vibe with stunning beaches, but it also has a yachting club.

Saint Barthélemy has nude sunbathing as an option, meaning it's plenty warm enough to avoid the winter.

Even though it's the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint John still finds itself home to dolphins and turtles, and remains far warmer than any of our small studio apartments.

The French and the British fought over Saint Lucia constantly, switching between control of the two for years.

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island destination known for its carnivals and natural beauty.

The world's lowest country, the Maldives rise barely four feet above sea level and is in danger of disappearing forever.

Great for diving, the Turks and Caicos Islands include a 14 mile stretch of reef.

Featuring more than 12 miles of beaches, Varadero is one of Cuba's more popular tourist spots.

If you want boat tours, Vieques is the place to go, as it's home to some of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.

Viña del Mar is the most popular beach resort in all of Chile.

Zanzibar is home to Stone Town, a World Heritage Site selected by the United Nations and legally protected by international treaties. It's also home to some beautiful beaches and great safari opportunities, making the island a definite contender for when you plan your dream vacation.

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